Main Idea of Philippians:
Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering.
Questions to Consider:
What does it mean to have the “mind of Christ” in the context of His divine and human natures?
How does Christ’s kenosis (self-emptying) demonstrate His obedience and love?
What is the nature of Christ’s exaltation, and how does it relate to His prior humiliation?
How does this passage connect to the theme of God’s sovereign plan of redemption?
The Text:
Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be exploited.
Instead he emptied himself
by assuming the form of a servant,
taking on the likeness of humanity.
And when he had come as a man,he humbled himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even to death on a cross.
For this reason God highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow—
in heaven and on earth
and under the earth—
and every tongue will confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.– Philippians 2:5-11
Observation:
v. 5: Paul calls believers to have the same mindset as Christ.
v. 6: Christ, though being in the form of God, did not cling to His equality with God.
v. 7: Christ emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.
v. 8: Christ humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death on a cross.
v. 9: God exalted Christ and gave Him the name above all names.
v. 10: Every knee will bow at the name of Jesus.
v. 11: Every tongue will confess Jesus Christ is Lord.
Interpretation:
v. 5: Paul calls for a mindset rooted in Christ’s example, a mindset of humble service and self-denial, not a mere imitation of external actions, but an internal transformation.
v. 6: Christ’s pre-existent deity did not preclude His voluntary submission; His kenosis was an act of love, not a loss of divinity.
v. 7: The “form of a servant” emphasizes Christ’s genuine humanity and His willingness to take on a lowly position.
v. 8: Christ’s obedience to death on a cross was the ultimate act of submission, demonstrating His commitment to the Father’s will and our redemption.
v. 9: God’s exaltation of Christ is a divine affirmation of His perfect obedience and a demonstration of His sovereign plan of redemption. It is not a reward earned apart from God’s will, but a divine action within the Godhead.
v. 10: The universal bowing signifies Christ’s absolute authority and lordship, fulfilling God’s plan.
v. 11: The confession of Jesus Christ as Lord brings glory to God the Father, highlighting the Trinitarian nature of salvation.
Application:
v. 5: We should cultivate a mindset of humble service, recognizing that true greatness is found in serving others, not in seeking personal honor. This is a work of the Holy Spirit in conforming us to the image of Christ.
v. 6: We should relinquish any sense of entitlement or self-exaltation, understanding that our worth comes from God’s grace, not our own merit.
v. 7: We should seek opportunities to serve others sacrificially, following Christ’s example of humility and self-denial.
v. 8: We should be obedient to God’s will, even when it requires sacrifice, trusting in His sovereign plan and His promise of ultimate victory.
v. 9: We should recognize that God honors and exalts those who are faithful, but this exaltation is always within the context of His sovereign plan and for His glory, not for personal gain.
v. 10: We should acknowledge Jesus’ absolute authority and submit to His lordship in every area of our lives, acknowledging his right to rule.
v. 11: We should live in a way that brings glory to God, through our confession and actions, recognizing that our ultimate purpose is to glorify Him.
Connection to the Main Idea:
This passage connects to the main idea of Philippians by demonstrating that joy in the Lord comes from aligning ourselves with His will, even in suffering. Christ’s example of humble obedience, leading to His exaltation, shows that true joy is found in submission to God’s sovereign plan.
How does this text point to Christ?
This text directly points to Christ by detailing His pre-incarnate existence, His voluntary kenosis, His obedient sacrifice, and His subsequent exaltation, emphasizing his deity and humanity. It presents Christ as the perfect example of humility and obedience, demonstrating the path to true glory, and the means of our salvation.
Summary:
Paul calls believers to adopt the mindset of Christ, who humbled Himself to the point of death, and was subsequently exalted by God. This passage emphasizes the importance of humility, obedience, and God’s sovereign plan of redemption in the Christian life.
Be Intentional:
Reflect on how you can emulate Christ’s humility in your relationships, recognizing that it is a work of the Holy Spirit.
Identify areas where you are clinging to your own rights or privileges, and ask the Holy Spirit to give you a servant’s heart.
Seek opportunities to serve others sacrificially, trusting in God’s provision and plan.
Pray for a deeper understanding of Christ’s humility and obedience, and for the strength to follow His example.
Ask Yourself:
Am I willing to empty myself for the sake of others, trusting in God’s sovereign plan?
How can I cultivate a greater sense of obedience to God’s will, even in difficult circumstances?
Does my life reflect the humility and lordship of Christ?
Bibliography:
Carson, D. A. (1997). The Epistle to the Philippians. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
Hawthorne, G. F. (1983). Philippians. Word Biblical Commentary. Waco, TX: Word Books.
Moo, D. J. (2009). The Epistle to the Philippians. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
The ESV Study Bible. (2008). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
